Prunus serrula

Prunus serrula, called birch bark cherry, birchbark cherry, paperbark cherry, or Tibetan cherry, is a species of cherry native to China, and is used as an ornamental in many parts of the world for its striking coppery-red bark.

Prunus serrula
Growth form
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
Clade:	Tracheophytes
Clade:	Angiosperms
Clade:	Eudicots
Clade:	Rosids
Order:	Rosales
Family:	Rosaceae
Genus:	Prunus
Section:	P. sect. Cerasus
Species:	P. serrula
Binomial name
Prunus serrula Franch.
Synonyms[1]
Cerasus serrula (Franch.) T.T.Yu & C.L.Li Prunus odontocalyx H.L‚v.

Description

A closeup of the bark

Prunus serrula is a small deciduous tree, often with multiple stems, reaching a height of 20–30 feet (6–9 m). The leaves are arranged alternately, simple, 5–10 cm long and 1.5–2.0 cm broad and a serrate margin.^[2] The smooth bark is a brownish red, with prominent horizontal lenticels. The outer layer of the bark is remarkably tough, approaching the strength of Mylar.^[3]

Flowers

The flowers, typical of Prunus, are produced in clusters of one to three. The fruit is a small oval bright red drupe.^[4]

Cultivation

Bark of an older specimen

Prunus serrula is grown as an ornamental tree, especially for winter interest. It tolerates a variety of soil types and has a wide pH range. It prefers full sun and does well in USDA hardiness zones 5 to 8. Its potential as an invasive species is low, as it is susceptible to many common garden diseases and pests such as fire blight, powdery mildew and Japanese beetles.^{[citation needed]}

It is sometimes grafted to Prunus serrulata (Japanese cherry) crowns, forming a tree with red bark and showier flowers.

In 2012 the 'Branklyn' variety gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.^[5]